Mark 8:12

12 ¹Sighing deeply in His spirit, He said, "Why does this generation seek for a sign? Truly I say to you, ²no sign will be given to this generation."

Mark 8:12 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 8:12

And he sighed deeply in his Spirit
In his human soul; and which shows that he had one, and was subject to grief and sorrow, and all passions and infirmities, excepting sin. This deep sigh was on account of the hardness of their hearts, the malignity of their minds, and insincerity of their intentions; who had no view to come at truth by this inquiry, but to ensnare him:

and saith, why doth this generation seek after a sign?
when so many have been shown among them, and they will not believe:

verily I say unto you, there shall no sign be given to this
generation:
such as they desired; namely, one from heaven. The Evangelist Matthew adds, "but the sign of the Prophet Jonas"; (See Gill on Matthew 16:4), (See Gill on Matthew 12:40).

Mark 8:12 In-Context

10 And immediately He entered the boat with His disciples and came to the district of Dalmanutha.

11 The Pharisees came out and began to argue with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, to test Him.

12 Sighing deeply in His spirit, He said, "Why does this generation seek for a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation."

13 Leaving them, He again embarked and went away to the other side.

14 And they had forgotten to take bread, and did not have more than one loaf in the boat with them.

Cross References

• 1. Mark 7:34
• 2. Matthew 12:39

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "to Himself"
• [b]. Or "attesting miracle"
• [c]. Lit "if a sign shall be given"
• [d]. Or "attesting miracle"